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Statement on school arrangements for key workers

20/3/2020

The Council is working on the details of remote educational provision for all children, and arrangements for the children of key workers, vulnerable children, and delivery of free school meals for eligible children. We will release the information as soon as it is ready. Please bear with us.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "We are faced with a situation like no other, but I want you to know we are working at breakneck speed to get things up and running.

"Following Government guidance on what constitutes a key worker we understand that a lot of people are now under the impression that they will be able to access childcare provision from Monday.

"It's important you know that in the first instance we have to look at  delivering provision and supervision for children whose parents or carers are NHS staff and care workers. It's clear we must focus on these two groups, in the first instance, to ensure that they can continue to do the essential work required to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to care for the sick.

"I know this is an anxious time for everyone, but please be assured we are working as quickly as we can to get these plans in place. If you fall into the other key categories as defined by the government we would ask that you look to source other childcare options for the moment. We can't end up in a situation which sees the majority of schools being reopened again if the definition of key worker is too wide. Thank you for your patience at this time. We will update you as soon as we can. Please keep following our social media channels"